Children’s Podiatry – Osgood Schlatter’s Disease

Osgood Schlatter’s disease is referred to as knee pain caused by repetitve stress or tension on the growth plate of the upper tibia (the apophysis) which can be conflicted with growth spurts and biomechanical dysfunction and anomalies/deformities. It presents in similar biomechanical dysfunction as sever's disease except that it occurs at the tibial tubercle (the bump beneath the kneecap) rather than the heel in sever's. It is characterised by inflammation, pain and swelling of the patella tendon at the attachment to the shin bone.

It usually affects young people this condition mainly boys between the ages of 9 to 16 years. Pain can be extreme in cases making it difficult for your child to sit and walk. It usually worsesn with activity and is commonly seen in children who participate in sports that include frequent running and jumping like netball, basketball and tennis as these sports involve alot of frequent stopping, jumping and turning.

In extreme cases, an avulsion injury can occur which involves stretching of the patella tendon to much that it tears away from the tibial attachment which can be seen on x-ray.

Signs & Symptoms of Osgood Sclatters include:

Pain over the tibial tubercle (the bump on the top end of the shin bone beneath the knee cap)

Swelling over the tibial tubercle

Pain over the the tibial tubercle that is amplified with sports and activity

Visible or protuding lump over the tibial tubercle

Tenderness and pain with palpation of the tibial tubercle

If you child suffers from the above signs and symptoms and if you are concerned about your child suffering from Osgood Schlatter’s Disease, let us put your mind at ease. At Bankstown Podiatry Clinic, our experienced Podiatrist can help. Call us for a friendly chat on (02) 9791 5798 or visit our conveniently located offices in Bankstown or Five Dock, Sydney.